Editors’ Notes

Typically, Christian praise bands strive for grandeur — and often achieve overkill. Tenth Avenue North takes a refreshingly intimate approach in their expressions of reverence on their 2008 debut Over and Underneath. There’s a rainy-day mood of contemplation running through most of the songs here, reinforced by Mike Doheney’s plaintive, slightly choked vocals. True, the acoustic-centered, string-accented sound of the album is reminiscent of early Jars of Clay and numerous other groups, but what personalizes Tenth Avenue North’s music is its hint of fragility. Behind the tightly-crafted veneers of tunes like “Lift Us Up to Fall,” “Let it Go,” and “Love is Here” lies a sense of human weakness which is most evident in “Hold My Heart” and “Times,” both poignant confessions of spiritual need. When they choose to, the band can paint majestic pictures of God’s creation (“Satisfy,” “You Are”) or capture the sheer delight of accepting Jesus (“Break Me Down”). Jason Ingram’s austere production — emphasizing cleanly-wrought guitar and piano lines — adds polish without obscuring the band’s essential simplicity. Over and Underneath is a work of sonic modesty and well-tempered fervor.

Customer Reviews

Fresh new Sound

by
CarGuy777

Tenth Avenue North is a West Palm Beach based group and I was fortunate enough to see their debut concert in Orlando for the Cd. They definently have a refreshing new sound that seems to be just right. Not too much rock and not too soft. The lyrics and the message they present is one of the most powerful I have heard at any christian concert I have ever attended. They definently have a fresh new sound that is Christ focused.

Over and Underneath

by
theologygirl

This album will leave you humming -- and closer to God. Tenth Avenue North offers fresh perspectives on many aspects of Christian faith: God’s unflinching love, the futility of our attempts to earn grace, our dependence on His faithful tenderness. And the music? Infectious. Singable. Surprising. Worshipful. Edgy enough – but not overwhelming. I pray these guys will be touching hearts with their music for years to come.

Exactly What We Need In A World Of Evil Influences

by
Ashmo1990

As the media shoots out that sex is a must have for everyone and that everyone is having sex, we are still being shown in some beautiful ways of how our wonderful Saviour desires to romance us far beyond comprehension. Beloved is the most awe filled song that I have ever listened to- You are my beloved, beloved I'm yours. How absolutely precious is that for every single person who is simply desiring to be loved. Love is Here is the exact answer needed for the problems across the globe. God is right here with his arms open wide ready to love us no matter what- already loving us. If I could vote about 5 stars, I would vote a minimum of 100, because, unlike several hit pop Christian bands, they know exactly who and what they are living for and strive to share the intimacy of music that they hold with their Creator.

Biography

Formed: West Palm Beach, FL

Genre: Christian & Gospel

Years Active: '00s, '10s

With a bright and sunny modern pop sound, Tenth Avenue North (the group took its name from a major road in the West Palm Beach, FL area where the band was originally formed) have become one of the brightest lights on the contemporary Christian music scene. Led by Mike Donehey's vocals and songwriting, the group released three independent albums, 2002’s Broken Down, 2003’s Don’t Look Back, and 2005’s Speaking of Silence, and an EP, 2006’s God with Us, before signing with Reunion Records and releasing...